Nagpur Cyber Police Crack Down on Digital Arrest and Cryptocurrency Fraud, Recovering Key Leads in Rs 2 Crore Scam
Nagpur’s cybercrime unit has intensified its fight against sophisticated digital fraud, arresting four individuals linked to two major scams that collectively deprived victims of more than Rs 2 crore. The first case involved an elaborate “digital arrest” scheme, where a resident was coerced into believing he was under investigation for severe offenses, prompting him to transfer Rs 1.51 crore. The second case centered on a deceptive cryptocurrency investment racket that cost another victim Rs 50 lakh. The arrests, made in Rajkot and Amravati, underline the evolving landscape of cybercrime and the increasing need for vigilance in digital financial interactions.
Digital Arrest Scam Exposed Through Cross-State Investigation
Nagpur’s cyber police uncovered a meticulously orchestrated fraud targeting a resident of Gorepeth. The victim, Hemant Karkare, received a call from an individual who identified himself as a police officer named Sandeep Rao. The impostor fabricated accusations of money laundering and connections to terrorism, creating a climate of fear that compelled the victim to comply with ongoing instructions.
To intensify psychological pressure, the fraudster used WhatsApp video calls and falsified documents, falsely placing the victim under what was termed a “digital arrest.” The tactic involved constant surveillance to ensure that the victim followed directions without confiding in others. Under this duress, the victim transferred Rs 1.51 crore through RTGS transactions under the guise of “fund verification.”
A detailed technical analysis of the transactions allowed investigation teams to trace the financial trail to Gujarat. Acting on this intelligence, officers conducted a raid in Rajkot and arrested three individuals: 24-year-old Chirag Gohel, 20-year-old Heth Panchmia, and 51-year-old Shama Parmar. All are residents of Rajkot and believed to be part of a larger fraud network.
Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud Leads to Another Arrest
In a separate report, Nagpur’s cyber police addressed a case involving a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme. The complainant, Manoj Shahu, residing on Katol Road, was deceived by promoters who promised substantial returns through bitcoin investments. Attracted by the supposed high-profit margins, he invested Rs 50 lakh, only to later discover that the platform and its operators were fraudulent.
The case, registered under BNS Section 318(4), 338, and IT Act Section 66D, led investigators to Amravati, where they arrested 25-year-old Manthan Bobde from Anjangaon Surji. Authorities indicated that Bobde may be linked to additional cyber offenses, and further inquiries are underway to uncover the full extent of his involvement.
The Broader Implications of Evolving Cybercrime Trends
The two cases highlight the increasing sophistication of digital fraud operations in India. Scammers are now using psychological manipulation, deepfake-style documentation, cross-border financial routing, and the allure of emerging technologies such as cryptocurrency to exploit unsuspecting citizens.
Law enforcement agencies are responding with enhanced digital forensics, cross-state coordination, and targeted raids. However, the incidents underscore the need for greater public awareness, robust cybersecurity protocols, and proactive digital literacy efforts.
Experts suggest that many of these crimes flourish due to gaps in public understanding of cyber risks and the rapid proliferation of unregulated financial platforms. As more consumers adopt online banking, digital communication tools, and cryptocurrency trading, the risk surface continues to expand.
Police Stress Vigilance as Investigations Continue
Authorities have urged citizens to exercise extreme caution when approached with alarming claims from unknown callers, especially those posing as law enforcement or financial regulators. Genuine officers do not demand money transfers for verification purposes, nor do they conduct investigations over casual online platforms.
Police teams continue to trace digital footprints, recover funds where possible, and map out larger networks behind these schemes. Both investigations remain active, with officials emphasizing that additional arrests are likely as evidence builds.
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